By Precious Oluwole

The Ondo State House of Assembly has passed into law the 2025 budget of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC), totaling over ₦33.8 billion.

The over ₦33 billion budget, presented by the State Government to the House and referred to the Ad-hoc Committee on OSOPADEC for scrutiny, became law after scaling through third reading at a plenary session presided over by the Speaker, Chief Olamide Oladiji.

The bill appropriates the sum of four billion, seven hundred and forty-seven million, six hundred and fifty thousand naira (₦4,747,650,000.00) for recurrent expenditure, while the balance of twenty-nine billion, one hundred and twelve million, five hundred thousand naira (₦29,112,500,000.00) is earmarked for capital expenditure for the year ending 2025.

Presenting the report of the Ad-hoc Committee on OSOPADEC, the Chairman Primate Oluwatoyin Allen noted that the Committee observed the projected revenue 40% of the 13% oil derivation aligned with the OSOPADEC provision in the 2025 Ondo State Budget.

According to the report, the projects contained in the Appropriation Bill focused on the growth and development of the mandate areas. It added that the distribution of projects showed that people of the mandate areas were carried along in the preparation of the fiscal document.

The report further stated:”The Commission has ensured peace and tranquillity in the Niger Delta region through the engagement of security companies for waterways surveillance, which has made the region one of the most peaceful in the Niger Delta area of the country.

“This engagement has no doubt reduced the crime rate, as some of the restive youths are now gainfully employed by the private security companies engaged by the Commission.

“The Commission should not focus entirely on a particular axis but ensure even development across all mandate areas. The budget was meticulously crafted to reflect current economic realities.

“Despite the low performance of the 2024 budget, the Commission was able to execute notable capital projects, empowerment programmes, and scholarship schemes for the people in the mandate areas.The Appropriation Bill template aligns with the National Chart of Accounts and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum’s budget preparation framework.

“All ongoing projects of the Commission should be prioritised for completion to benefit the people in the mandate areas.
The management team of OSOPADEC should not rely solely on the 40% of the 13% oil derivation fund but seek more rigorous and innovative collaborations with both local and international organisations/donors to meet citizens’ expectations.

“The Commission should also be proactive in training and re-training its staff to enhance optimal performance and productivity.

“That the procurement plan of the Commission should be more defined
and direct.That Year 2025 OSOPADEC Appropriation Bill which has a total balance projection of Thirty-three Billion, Eight Hundred and Sixty
Million, One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (N33,
860,150,000.00) only, on both Revenue and expenditure
Components should be approved”.

After the Speaker subjected the report to debate at plenary, it was unanimously adopted for passage through a majority voice vote.

Meanwhile, a bill for a law to amend the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital, Ondo, Ondo State Law, 2019, has been committed to the Ad-hoc Committee on health for scrutiny after it scaled through second reading.

Meanwhile, the ad-hoc Committee on Tertiary Institutions, headed by Stephen Abitogun, the lawmaker representing Akure South 2, submitted its report on Rufus Giwa Polytechnic (RUGIPO) and recommended that the School Management, Workers’ Union, and Student Union should engage in dialogue and brainstorming sessions with a view to finding lasting solutions to all internal issues affecting the progress of the institution.

The Committee recommended the following: “That the School Management, Workers’ Union, and Student Union, as individual bodies, collaborate with Mr Governor through a courtesy visit, with the aim of presenting their challenges for the Governor’s attention.

“That the government invite all stakeholders , the Rector and Management Team, Workers’ Union, and the Governing Council to a meeting in order to keep them abreast.

“That the Management should make concerted and sustained efforts to resuscitate the remaining moribund centres within the institution, for the purpose of revenue generation. These include the Artisan Centre, Mechanical Workshop, Block-Making Centre, and Guest House”.